Eli Lilly & Co.'s weight-loss drug Zepbound improved breathing problems in highly anticipated studies. Zepbound reduced the number of times breathing slowed or stopped during sleep by up to 63% and led to a body weight loss of up to roughly 20% in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
An approval for Zepbound to treat sleep apnea could expand access to the treatment through insurance. This would position Lilly to compete with Novo Nordisk A/S, whose blockbuster weight-loss medication, Wegovy, is now covered by major health insurers for certain Medicare beneficiaries.
Zepbound has the potential to be the first pharmaceutical treatment for the underlying disease of sleep apnea, addressing a significant medical need beyond managing symptoms. Novo Nordisk A/S is not currently testing its medications for reducing sleep apnea.
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